Michelin Enduro & Michelin Xtrem Tyres | Tech Info & FAQs | Endurotyres

Michelin Enduro Tyres

The Michelin Enduro tyres were publicly launched at the 2017 ISDE in Brive, France and have replaced the benchmark best selling Michelin FIM Comp 3, 4 and 6 tyres. The new range has taken 4 years of extensive testing and is not something that has been rushed. Coupled with the specific Bib Mousse, they are now dominating both classic and Extreme Enduro, with most major teams choosing this combination.

Michelin have worked with possibly the greatest Extreme riders of all time, Graham Jarvis and fellow Factory Husqvarna Rockstar team riders Billy Bolt, Alfredo Gomez and the 2019 Extreme world champion Manuel Lettenbichler, to develop the ultimate Extreme tyre.

Here at Endurotyres.com, our long term rider, Daryl Bolter, Multi British/European Enduro Champion and Husqvarna brand ambassador was chosen to test pre-production tyres and give extensive feedback towards the suitability for British Enduro terrain. Since then, every class in the British Enduro Championship (BEC) was won on Enduro Medium / Bib Mousse combination.

Michelin has introduced 5 Enduro Medium front and rear tyres plus the new Michelin Xtrem rear tyre which you can learn more about on this page.

Benefits of Michelin Enduro Tyres

1.

More grip and better cushioning. This has been made possible by work done to the tread block shape and layout, and the internal structure of the tyre.

2.

More versatility and better wet grip due to new rubber compounds and improved Bib Mousse compatibility.

3.

Longer lasting. There is a 15% improvement in the longevity of the Michelin Medium tyres, compared to previous generation. * Independent Dekra test Sept 2016

Pro Riders Using Michelin Mediums & Xtrem

Mario Roman using Michelin Xtrem tyres

Mario Roman

Sherco team rider and podium winner on the Michelin Xtrem tyres

Billy Bolt using Michelin Xtrem

Billy Bolt

Pro rider for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team who helped develop the Michelin Xtrem and previously used the Michelin Medium range.

Graham Jarvis placing using the Michelin Extrem

Graham Jarvis

2019 Erzberg Rodeo winner using the Michelin Medium/Xtrem tyres

Manuel Lettinbichler using the Michelin Enduro Tyres

Manuel Lettenbichler

2019 World Extreme Champion using Michelin Xtrem

Wade Young

Wade Young

Sherco Enduro and Extreme Enduro team rider

“I was asked to test the new Michelin Medium tyres in wet forest conditions directly against the existing Comp 6 front and Comp 3 rear, within minutes I had noticed a huge improvement in the stopping distance, the grip when cranked over was better and it tracked in ruts much better. The tyre designers have used a lot of the newer technology from the Starcross 5 tyre, with an entirely new silica based compound. Michelin have created a game changer for FIM Enduro tyres.”

Daryl Bolter – British ISDE Team Manager / Husqvarna UK / Husky-Sport & Endurotyres Team Rider

Enduro Medium Comp Tyre

“The idea behind the Michelin Medium range is to create tyres with the flexibility to absorb smaller impacts, while retaining the rigidity needed to maintain a line and avoid deflection over bigger hits.”

Endurotyres testing of Michelin Medium tyres on wet grass at Track and Trail event

trials

“Tubliss – Ok, so the Michelin Medium Enduro range was never designed to run the Tubliss system, it’s something that Michelin DON’T indorse but we have reports it works well on the Enduro Mediums. James Pinder has done extensive testing in zero grip conditions. The Mousse vs Tubliss merits are hotly debated, we will leave you to make the choice!”

Alan Ranger – MD of Endurotyres.com

Enduro medium

Julian Oakes couldn’t get over the lack of wear on his rear Michelin medium tyre after winning the over 50’s class on his 350 KTM at the First British Enduro Championship round at the highly abrasive venue Warren Heath Gravel-pits.

Julian was a top championship rider back in the 90’s and still doesn’t hang around!

Michelin Medium review

“If you need any more convincing about the merits of the new Michelin Medium Enduro tyres and how they last, then here’s a picture of my rear 140/80/18 + the M14 Bib Mousse having done a practice day and then both days of Scotland BEC round, this was after a mix of grass/hardpack and rocky terrains!”

Lewis Ranger

The Michelin Enduro tyre range

  • Michelin Xtrem combo

    Michelin Enduro Xtrem Combo Deals

    £542.37£556.38 View Product
  • Michelin Enduro Medium Front 90/100-21

    Michelin Enduro, Hard 90/100-21

    £60.08 View Product
  • Michelin Xtrem - Rear

    Michelin Enduro Xtrem – Rear

    £141.52 View Product
  • Michelin bib Mousse and Michelin Enduro medium combo deals 1

    Michelin Medium & Bib Mousse Combo Deals

    £218.19£418.40 View Product
  • Michelin Enduro Medium - Front

    Michelin Enduro Medium – Front

    £70.31£80.99 View Product
  • Michelin Enduro Hard - Front

    Michelin Enduro Hard – Front

    £70.31£79.46 View Product
  • Michelin Enduro Medium - Rear

    Michelin Enduro Medium – Rear

    £88.94£92.17 View Product

Michelin Enduro tyre range - Enduro Medium

Technical Details

Michelin Enduro, Front, Medium

Dimensions
90/100-21 M/C 57R (Use the Bib Mousse M16 for this tyre)

90/90-21 M/C 54R (Use the Bib Mousse M15 for this tyre)

Benefits from previous generation
Improved rut crossing, lightened turning, more versatility on muddy terrain.

Suitable for
Sand | Soft terrain | Grass terrain | Firm terrain

Michelin Enduro Hard

Michelin Enduro, Front, Hard

Dimensions
90/90-21 M/C 54R (Use the Bib Mousse M15 for this tyre)

Benefits from previous generation
Increased stability, Increased tread block rigidity aids cornering precision, grip and wear.

Suitable for
Rocky terrain | Hard/solid terrain

Enduro Medium rear

Michelin Enduro, Rear, Medium

Dimensions
120/90-18 65R (Use the Bib Mousse M18 for this tyre)

140/80-18 70R (Use the Bib Mousse M14 for this tyre)

Benefits from previous generation
Improved rut crossing and grip, better compatibility between tyre and Bib mousse, better resistance to tearing/chunking, multifunctional versatility.

Suitable for
Sand | Soft terrain | Grass terrain | Firm terrain | Rocky terrain | Hard/solid terrain

Michelin Xtrem

Michelin Xtrem

Dimensions
Rear – To be paired with the 90/100-21 or 90/90-21 Enduro Medium

Bib Mousse capabilities
M18 or M14

Benefits

The Michelin Enduro Xtrem rear is a game-changer in Extreme Enduro and is far more than just a “simple soft compound” tyre. It’s been developed by Michelin with the following riders:

  • Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna)
  • Billy Bolt (Husqvarna)
  • Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna)
  • Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM)
  • Mario Roman (Sherco)
  • Wade Young (Sherco)

The results speak for themselves with top 5 places at Erzberg and top 3 places at the Sea to Sky in 2019 all using this tyre. If you are serious about Extreme riding you can’t afford not to use it.

  • Michelins patented high silica rubber compound provides excellent grip for climbing, traversing wet rock, and roots
  • Must ONLY be used with Michelin Bib Mousse, either M14 ( 140 ) for technical terrain, or M18 (120) for almost flat foot print extremely slow rock climb
  • Great polyvalence thanks to the unique tread pattern
  • Exceptional performance off road on wet and rock terrains
  • FIM approved

Suitable for
WESS type events | Rocky terrain | Hard/solid terrain | Roots | Indoor Enduro events

Please note, due to the super soft compound of the Michelin Xtrem, this is classed as a ONE Extreme EVENT ONLY tyre. For any Fast Forestry Enduro FIM / BEC / Club enduro/ progressive green laning… stick to Enduro Medium

Faqs

Q: Why is there no Enduro Hard tyre for the rear?

A: The Enduro rear Medium tyre is actually excellent on hard ground. Riders are often amazed at the performance, and how long the tyres last, so there are no plans for a harder rear tyre.

Q: Why is there no 90/100/21 front hard?

A: The front 90/100/21 Michelin Medium tyre is actually excellent on hard ground, a new “hard” version of this is due spring 2020 so we will have both 90/90-21 and 90/100-21 hard options, this could be a longer lasting front tyre on big enduro bikes in dry conditions, even an alternative to Desert front for rally racers!

Q: Are the lines on top of the tread blocks performance aids

A: They can add grip when the tyre is new and help to show the slow wear rate, but it is more cosmetic than performance orientated.

Q: Can you use any brand of Bib Mousse with these new tyres?

A: The simple answer is no! The internal structure of the new tyres is perfectly matched to the Michelin Bib Mousse range. The sizing varies massively in other brands of Bib Mousse which can dramatically effect the wear rate, performance and handling of the tyre. Michelin have spent countless hours in developing the tyre and Mousse to work together as a package, so why would you fit a lesser quality performing Mousse?

Q: Years ago I used a 120 Mousse (M18) in a 140 tyre for a softer feel, can I do that now with the 140 Medium Enduro?

A: The quick answer is no! You must stick to the correct Michelin Bib Mousse size for your Michelin Medium tyre (the older Michelin Comps were sized differently internally), however, now the M18 or M14 Michelin Mousses are a perfect fit for the 120 or 140 Medium respectively, so for smaller bikes (125cc and 250cc) you can fit 120/90/18 Medium with a M18 / 120 Bib Mousse, on larger bikes, go for the 140/80/18 Medium with M14 /140 Mousse. Trust us, they require no extra bedding in – just ask any BEC rider!

The exception to this is the new Enduro Xtrem rear tyre in one size only 140/80/18, we suggest using the M14 /140 Bib Mousse for ultra Extreme events. If you need even more grip with the Xtrem, its possible to go to the smaller M18 /120 Mousse, but this will seriously limit the life of the tyre and Bib Mousse.

Q: Do the sponsored Michelin riders really use exactly the same tyres and mousse that I can buy from you?

A: Yes! Their tyres and mousse comes straight from our daily stock. Once the Xtrem tyres become available this will be a production tyre used by all the Factory teams. Feel free to closely examine any tyre or Bib Mousse they use at events and don’t be afraid to ask them for tyre advice.

Q: I don't use Bib Mousse, am I still ok on inner tubes?

A: Yes of course! We stock genuine Michelin heavy duty tubes, or ultra heavy duty (UHD) 4mm thick tubes as an alternative to Bib Mousse. On Enduro medium tyres, using regualr inner tubes is fine, but on the new Xtrem tyres, we recommend you use the appropriate Bib Mousse.

Q: I don't require a road legal tyre and am not competing in events that require FIM tyres, do I still use these Enduro Mediums?

A: Good question, the Michelin Starcross 5 MX tyre available in 18″ rear is a great Cross Country Hare and Hounds tyre for short lap events with wide open fields mud and sand etc. But, for traditional forestry type riding, ie roots, rocks, grass or mud, we always suggest Enduro Mediums, with their lower tread blocks and more flexible sidewalls in conjunction with a Bib Mousse

Q: Do you really need to use genuine Michelin Bib Mousse lube?

A:  Over the years we have heard stories of customers using virtually every substance as mousse lube. The genuine lube gel is to prevent friction build up which greatly reduces the life of your mousse. Regular re-lubing will extend the life of your Bib Mousse, for ease of application, one 50 gram tube of genuine gel is required per Bib Mousse, and they come in a box of 12 that will easily last a racing season.

Q: Why is Michelin Xtrem priced considerably higher?

A: Due to the incredibly technical compound of the tyre and the lower numbers produced, it’s priced higher than its sister tyre, the Michelin Medium at £99.64 + delivery.

Q. So, how can a non road legal tyre like the new Michelin Enduro Xtrem be FIM compliant when all FIM approved tyres are supposed to be road legal?

A: Well, the answer is that the tyre conforms to the FIM specifications on 13mm tread block height when new, but FIM guidelines do actually allow that if the competition does not include any public road open to members of the public then there is no need for road legality. The key point is the maximum 13mm tread block height when new. This is why the FIM have had no issues with approving brands super soft extreme tyres, all of which are NHS non road legal tyres, even for international extreme events. Just be aware that if your enduro event includes a section of open public road such as a UK BEC rounds, then, your bike and your tyres must be road legal and so the Enduro Medium remains the best tyre for you. Obviously the Xtrem is super soft so should not be used is any situation that includes road/fire road work.